Reconciliation WA bids farewell to co-chair Gary Smith, appoints new co-chairs Nolan Hunter and Debra Zanella

Reconciliation WA has appointed two new co-chairs, bidding farewell to Gary Smith and Carol Innes after eight years with the not-for-profit organisation. Bardi Jawi Yawuru man Nolan Hunter and Debra Zanella were appointed by the Reconciliation WA board to steer the State into the next era of reconciliation action. Mr Smith expressed his gratitude to former Aboriginal co-chair Carol Innes, who stood down in December, and backs the new co-chairs. “I thank my sister and former co-chair Carol Innes, who has patiently and generously taught me much of the reconciliation journey I have travelled so far,” he said. “Following the referendum outcome, we are in a new chapter for the reconciliation movement. “It is a perfect time for the organisation to both capitalise on the organisation’s work to date, and to deliver a re-energised approach. “As this chapter closes, Carol and I leave the organisation with excellent leadership of co-chairs Nolan Hunter and Debra Zanella and chief executive Jody Nunn, along with an excellent Reconciliation WA team developed over recent years.” Mr Hunter’s experience spans more than 30 years in strategic operational management and governance, having previously been director of several Indigenous organisations in the Kimberley and chief executive of Kimberley Land Council. “I’d like to thank and acknowledge Carol Innes and Gary Smith for their service and leadership, and I look forward to working with our new co-chair Debra Zanella,” Mr Hunter said. Ms Zanella marks a new chapter in the State’s journey towards reconciliation as the new non-Aboriginal co-chair, bringing more than two decades of experience in the health and community service sectors. “As I step into the co-chair role at Reconciliation WA, I am honoured to be part of this powerful movement that has important work to focus upon in the post referendum environment,” Ms Zanella said. “We must harness the energy of the 6.2 million Australians who voted Yes and those who are wanting to continue to understand how we can walk together to drive better outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “We are in a pivotal time as we consider the future horizons of the reconciliation movement both here in WA and collectively across the nation. I look forward to walking this journey with my co-chair Nolan Hunter.” Reconciliation WA chief executive Jody Nunn expressed her deep appreciation for the commitment to the reconciliation movement by former co-chairs Ms Innes and Mr Smith. “Carol and Gary’s leadership and guidance has played a pivotal role in shaping the reconciliation movement forward in Western Australia,” Ms Nunn said. “On behalf of the Reconciliation WA board and team, we thank them for their guidance and support, and know they will remain committed advocates for reconciliation into the future.”